My process for evaluating new opportunities starts and ends with my core values, as expressed in my mission statement.
My personal mission statement is something that I’ve been revising and tweaking for decades. I will never finish tweaking it, but its essence remains the same. It goes like this:
I believe in firm handshakes, looking people directly in the eye, telling the truth, and treating people the way I want to be treated. I strive to live with youthful exuberance and vow not to take myself too seriously.
I’ve learned to step back and evaluate opportunities using my core values as a magnifying glass.
But that was not always the case. When I was young, I took on every opportunity. I answered, “Yes, I can,” even if I didn’t know how to provide a solution. I would figure it out on the fly, consequences be damned, and power through to a solution. Oftentimes, the process wasn’t pretty, and the output wasn’t excellent.
But I learned quickly that every opportunity has costs. Without having a tool – my core values, the fees for picking the wrong opportunity were significant losses in time, money, and reputation.
I value the wisdom that comes from experience. And experience can be a stern teacher that produces painful reminders.
Recently, I had an excellent opportunity.
It was a high-profile project that could bring in a significant amount of revenue. The work was challenging and exciting, and I was eager to take it on.
It’s easy to get star-struck by the money, and I was starry-eyed at the prospect of filling up my capacity. But it only took a couple of texts and a phone call to realize that this great opportunity didn’t fit within my core values. It was empowering to let them know I wasn’t a good fit, even though it hurt my bottom line and ego. But I remained true to my mission, making it easier to move on.
It’s hard to turn work down these days, but relationships take time to develop, and it’s more important to me to be able to look someone in the eye and know that I am true to my core values. I value these relationships more than immediate gains, and this understanding helps me connect with others on a deeper level.
Other opportunities await, and I’m ready for the challenge. Cheers!
